In the aftermath of Ghana’s December 2024 general elections, Madam Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), addressed the press to clarify issues surrounding the nine outstanding parliamentary results yet to be finalized.
Jean Mensa highlighted disruptions caused by political party supporters, threats to EC staff, and the destruction of essential election materials, all of which have stalled collation processes.
“It is the Lord that has made it possible. We couldn’t have come this far without Him,” she stated. She also noted the global recognition of the electoral process as credible, transparent, and successful.
“We couldn’t have achieved this success without your lenses and your pens. And so, we thank you all very much.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
The EC Chairperson explained that on election day, December 7, 2024, political leaders made attempts to cause disruption. She emphasized;
“The presence of hundreds of supporters who besieged our collation centers brought proceedings to a standstill in a number of the centers. These supporters destroyed pink sheets required for the collation as well as result collation forms in some areas.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
Despite the challenges, Jean Mensa revealed that the EC had made multiple attempts to complete collation in affected constituencies.
“Our staff have been threatened, and the established collation processes as guided by law have been disrupted. Winners have been declared without due processes governing collation being followed.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
She detailed specific instances where results were declared without proper collation. For example, in Okaikwei Central, a winner was declared without collating results from 31 polling stations. Similarly, in Ablekuma North, results from 62 polling stations were excluded from the process.
To ensure security, the EC relocated some collation centers to the Greater Accra Regional Office and the Tesano Police Depot. She recounted;
“In spite of police presence at our regional offices, the collation process was once again disrupted and taken over by political party leaders and supporters.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
Due to intelligence reports of planned attacks, the Ghana Police Service advised the EC to discontinue collation activities, further delaying the process.
Amidst the challenges, the EC completed collation in three constituencies; Akwatia, Fanteakwa North, and Suhum.
“For the first time, they were allowed to carry out their work without interference, enabling them to complete the collation and declare the true outcomes of the election.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
Jean Mensa highlighted the critical role of the Ghana Police Service in ensuring the safety of EC staff and the integrity of the electoral process.
“To the staff who were beaten and threatened, our hearts go out to you. We applaud your courage and your resolve to do the right thing in the face of death threats.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
Commitment to Transparency and Credibility
“Our mandate is not to make anybody a president or a member of parliament. Our mandate is to carry out credible, transparent, and fair elections whose outcomes guarantee that the choice of the voters is upheld.”
Ms. Jean Mensa Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC)
She assured Ghanaians that the EC remains resolute in completing the collation process in the nine outstanding constituencies following due process.
Jean Mensa called on political parties to respect the electoral process and cooperate with the EC to resolve the outstanding issues. She urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
This address underscores the challenges faced by the EC in conducting elections amidst political tensions and serves as a call to action for collaborative efforts to uphold Ghana’s democratic values.
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